The Iran conflict and the energy supply in the Palatinate
Energy supplies from the Arab world are influencing the global energy market. The Iran war and its effects in the Middle East also affect us. We are currently noticing this particularly in the rise in petrol prices. How is the Iran crisis affecting energy prices and security of supply in the Kaiserslautern region?
Natural gas prices at SWK are stable
Natural gas prices for existing customers remain stable. SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern’s procurement strategy is forward-looking and planned for the long term. This is why there are currently no direct effects on our customers’ natural gas tariff prices,” emphasize Christian Welter (Head of Sales) and Daniel Strauß (SWK Head of Trading and Energy Procurement) in unison.
Gas storage facilities (nationwide) are slightly less full than in the same period last year. In line with the time of year, they are at a relatively low but sufficient level of 22%. The storage facilities will be replenished in stages over the course of the year.
(Source: AGSI+, Federal Network Agency, update, 23.03.2026)
Where does our natural gas come from?
Germany’s supply is currently mainly based on pipeline gas from Norway (approx. 40 %), the Netherlands (approx. 22 %) and Belgium (approx. 20 %). Around 10 – 15 % of the natural gas supply currently comes from LNG (liquefied natural gas), which is delivered by ship via the LNG terminals. However, the proportion of natural gas imports from the Arab region is low.
The tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the restricted exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are of course having a general impact on pricing on the wholesale markets. If the conflict is not resolved promptly, this may also result in higher prices in the coming weeks.
Is the war also affecting the price of electricity?
“Natural gas is also used to produce electricity. If the price of natural gas rises, this can also affect electricity prices” says Christian Welter. “The extent and duration of the crisis will also be decisive here. Here, too, prices remain stable for our existing customers.”
What will happen in the medium and long term?
Christian Welter adds: “How global market prices will develop in the medium and long term and impact energy prices cannot be reliably predicted at the present time. These estimates depend heavily on the many influences in global politics and the global economy.”
“We keep a careful and continuous eye on the overall economic situation and market developments on a daily basis. Together with our team, we do everything we can to ensure that geopolitical events do not directly affect our customers in the region” emphasizes Daniel Strauß.
How can we as a regional supplier take countermeasures?
First of all, the path we have been following for some time is the right one and is helpful: Germany has diversified its supply chains and broadened them. This makes it less dependent on individual countries and regions.
In order to become even more independent of natural gas imports as an energy partner of the Palatinate, we are participating in the energy transition in the region and actively driving it forward. For example, we generate our own green electricity from renewable resources in our own plants – for the SWK Ökostrom Regio tariff with PV systems in Nohfelden-Sötern, just 50 km from Kaiserslautern. In May 2024, we, SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern Versorgungs-AG, acquired our first wind turbine. The first promising reports have already been submitted for another wind farm with four wind turbines in St. Julian.
We are also constantly expanding the district heating network. To this end, we are currently examining whether deep geothermal energy for extracting heat from the earth is possible for us.
Generate your own electricity - renewable energies for our customers
As a consumer, you too can become less dependent on fluctuating energy prices and the conditions on the global market.
Benefit from our services for your sustainable and independent home. SWK’s photovoltaic, battery storage, heat pump and modern energy efficiency management services open up new possibilities for you.
You can avoid the expensive prices at petrol pumps by switching to e-mobility. You can charge at home with the wallbox and top up your electric car in the region and beyond with our charging card.
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